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Lou Jimenez
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Lou Jimenez2025-11-26 18:01:072025-11-26 22:35:44A Growing City, a Shrinking Fire Department: Bethlehem Deserves Better
🚨STAFFING MATTERS BEFORE THE FIRE STARTS🚨
Shortly before 6:00 a.m. this morning, 4th Platoon members were dispatched to the 500 block of West Union Blvd for a working structure fire that quickly escalated to a 3rd Alarm due to entrapment and heavy fire conditions/exposure concerns.
Lines were stretched, ladders were thrown, searches were conducted, and crews worked aggressively to bring the fire under control while protecting neighboring homes and the surrounding community. One firefighter was transported to the hospital.
A total of 18 Bethlehem firefighters responded to this 3rd Alarm blaze. National fire service standards such as NFPA 1710 recommend significantly higher staffing levels for initial structure fire operations, especially in occupied residential settings with exposure concerns. Fires do not wait for ideal conditions, extra manpower, or convenient timing, and today’s incident once again highlighted why adequate staffing matters for both firefighter safety and the protection of our residents.
Despite staffing challenges, firefighters once again answered the call and got the job done safely and professionally. We appreciate the assistance of Nancy Run Fire for assisting and responding with their air truck.
Proud of the work put in by all companies operating this morning. 🚒🇺🇸#IAFF #PPFFA #Local735 #StaffingMatters ... See MoreSee Less
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This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom.
From all of us at Bethlehem Firefighters Association, we thank those who gave everything in service to this nation. We will never forget. 🇺🇸🚒
#MemorialDay #IAFF #ppffa #local735 #bethlehemsbravest #staffingmatters ... See MoreSee Less
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🔥LIVES ON THE LINE🔥
Bethlehem continues to grow.
But firefighter staffing continues to remain stagnant.
Local 735 has formally notified City leadership regarding a federal SAFER Grant opportunity designed to strengthen frontline staffing and emergency response capabilities.
We are also calling for the ongoing Fire & EMS study to be presented publicly once completed. Taxpayer dollars are funding this process, and the residents of Bethlehem deserve the opportunity to hear the findings and recommendations directly from the organization conducting the study.
We will not stop advocating for firefighter safety and the protection our community deserves.
Read the memorandum below.
#IAFF #PPFFA #Staffingmatters
#Local735 #Bethlehemsbravest 🇺🇸🚒 ... See MoreSee Less
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🇺🇸 Stars and Stripes Assist 🇺🇸
Today, members of the Fourth Platoon had the opportunity to lend a helping hand to our friends at Bethlehem North Skilled Nursing by assisting with repairs to their flagpole.
Sometimes the job is about more than emergency response, it’s about being there for the community in any way we can. We were proud to help restore a symbol that means so much to so us.
Thank you to the staff at Bethlehem North for everything you do caring for our residents there each and every day. Small acts of service and community partnership like this continue to make Bethlehem a special place to call home. #IAFF #PPFFA #Local735 #Communityengagement 🇺🇸🚒🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less
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CONGRATULATIONS BOB BROOKS
Congratulations to our Local 735 Brother Bob Brooks on his primary victory for US Congress in the Democratic Primary in Pennsylvania’s 7th District.
Bethlehem Firefighters IAFF Local 735 proudly stands with Bob as we move toward the general election. When we vote we WIN
WE LOVE YOU BROOKSY
🇺🇸🚒🇺🇸🚒🇺🇸🚒🇺🇸🚒🇺🇸🚒🇺🇸🚒🇺🇸🚒
#UnionStrong #IAFF #PPFFA #local735 #bethlehemsbravest ... See MoreSee Less
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Get out and Vote for Bob Brooks 🇺🇸
Bob Brooks served our City honorably for twenty years and continues to serve. Let’s give him the opportunity to support all working class people nationally. COMMITTED, RESILIENT and AUTHENTIC that’s Bob. Let’s put the dumpster fire out in Washington 🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less
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*2nd Alarm Working Fire*
Our 1st Platoon is currently operating at a fire on Greenview Drive - please avoid this area for both our safety and yours!
#IAFF #local735 #bethlehemsbravest #ppffa ... See MoreSee Less
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Today we recognize International Fire Fighters Day across this country and around the world in honor of those who answer the call.
Firefighting isn’t about recognition it’s about responsibility. Long hours, tough conditions, and doing more with less, all while putting others before yourself.
Across the fire service, departments are facing real challenges like staffing shortages, rising apparatus costs, and extended delivery times that impact readiness. The IAFF continues to advocate for proper staffing, critical funding, and the resources firefighters need to do the job safely and effectively.
Firefighters will always show up but it’s time the support matches the sacrifice.
#InternationalFirefightersDay #IAFF #PPFFA #Local735 #StaffingMatters🇺🇸🚒 ... See MoreSee Less
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